This healthy vegan fudge recipe is so decadent and creamy, you’ll never know it’s low in sugar and not terribly bad for you. This espresso fudge truly tastes like the classic style fudge that we all know and love – not “healthy” tasting fudge. Except you won’t have to feel guilty for eating a piece or three! It’s paleo, naturally sweetened, and practically effortless to throw together.
One of my favorite things about vegan chocolate fudge is that I can make it at home and I know exactly what ingredients are in it. And, you don’t need any fussy ingredients either – just 4 simple pantry staples I already had on hand. That’s the best part: you probably have all the ingredients at home to whip it up right now.
My kids and husband can indulge, and I know they are getting a healthy snack that is low in sugar. (As for me, I stick to keto fudge most of the time.) Still, this is the best vegan fudge that I have tasted, and I think you are going to say the same!
How To Make Vegan Fudge
This vegan fudge recipe is easy and practically effortless to make. To get started, place coconut milk in a medium sized pot on medium-high heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Add agave, then turn down the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
TIP: The coconut milk is done when it’s the consistency of condensed milk. Keep an eye on it! You’ll want to make sure that you stir it occasionally, so it doesn’t burn.
Now it’s time for the good stuff – the chocolate! Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof glass bowl, then pour the coconut milk mixture over the top of the chocolate. This will melt the chocolate. Continue to stir, until all the lumps are gone and it is a smooth mixture.
TIP: If the chocolate cools too quickly, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water. Essentially this is a double boiler. This will make it melt again slowly so you can finish with the other steps.
Add in the coconut oil and espresso. Pour everything into a parchment lined pan. I prefer to use a loaf pan, so I have thick pieces of fudge, but you can use whatever you prefer.
Place the pan into the refrigerator for 5-6 hours; then you can eat every delicious bite of this creamy vegan fudge!
Vegan Fudge Recipe Variations
Looking for some optional ingredients to add to your vegan fudge recipe? Here are some ideas to take this easy vegan fudge to the next level:
- Chopped nuts – Add in some pecans, walnuts or almonds to give the espresso fudge a nice crunch.
- Coconut – Toast coconut in a pan, until the edges are a nice golden color, and add to the fudge. Perfect for anyone who’s a coconut fanatic!
- Dark Chocolate – Sprinkle some extra chocolate curls or shavings after you place it in the pan.
- Cayenne Pepper – Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture to give the healthy vegan fudge a kick!
What Makes Vegan Fudge Healthy?
This vegan fudge is healthy because it is made with good fats and nutrient-rich ingredients:
- Coconut oil has all kinds of benefits, from quick energy and fat burning to improved skin and antibacterial properties.
- Agave is naturally sweet, with a lower glycemic index than white sugar. (No refined sugar here!)
- Espresso is high in antioxidants.
If you are trying to reduce carbs, feel free to use a low carb sweetener instead of the agave. Honey or maple syrup also work for paleo options without refined sugar.
Can You Make Vegan Chocolate Fudge Ahead?
Yes, you can make vegan chocolate fudge ahead of time. Simply store the vegan gluten-free fudge in a container that is air-tight and has a lid. It doesn’t matter if it is cut into pieces or not before you store it, as long as you keep air from getting to it.
TIP: You can store vegan fudge in the fridge for up to 5 days before use. This makes it perfect for making in advance.
This vegan fudge recipe is wonderful to serve for a baby shower, wedding shower, birthday party or even a wedding. You can make several batches ahead of time to serve at your next get-together, because it is a real crowd pleaser.
Can You Freeze Healthy Vegan Fudge?
Absolutely, you can freeze healthy vegan fudge. Similar to placing the fudge in the refrigerator, you want to store it in an airtight container. I typically will leave the espresso fudge uncut when I know I am going to make extra to freeze.
To thaw the vegan fudge, remove from the freezer and sit on the counter. You can also defrost the vegan fudge in the refrigerator. Once it is thawed, if you haven’t already cut it, you can cut it into squares and serve.
TIP: Don’t allow the chocolate vegan fudge to sit out for more than 2 hours because it will start to melt. Place the fudge in the freezer if you notice it has started to get warm.
More Paleo Dessert Recipes
If you love this espresso fudge recipe, you have to check out these other delicious paleo chocolate treats:
- Date Sweetened Peppermint Cacao Nib Fudge
- The Best Vegan Raw Brownies Recipe
- Paleo Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Or browse all my paleo dessert recipes here.
Paleo Chocolate Espresso Fudge Recipe:
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RECIPE CARD
Healthy Chocolate Espresso Vegan Fudge Recipe
This healthy vegan fudge recipe is creamy, rich and EASY! Paleo espresso fudge only needs 4 ingredients, plus I'm sharing ideas to customize vegan chocolate fudge.
Ingredients
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- 1 13.5 oz can Full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup Agave nectar
- 1 cup Dark chocolate (chopped; I've used 70% chips and also 100% cacao
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon Instant espresso powder (+ more for dusting)
Instructions
More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!
Place the coconut milk in a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes.
Stir in the agave and turn down the heat to a simmer. Let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has the consistency of condensed milk.
Place the chopped chocolate in a glass or heat proof bowl and pour the milk over stirring to melt the chocolate. Stir until no clumps remain. If it cools too quickly, simply place the bowl over a pot of simmering water.
Stir in the coconut oil and espresso.
Pour into a parchment lined container. I used a loaf pan since I wanted thick squares and it was narrow but deep.
Let chill 5-6 hours, until firm. Dust with extra espresso, cut and serve.
Recipe Notes
Serving Size: 1 piece of fudge, or 1/12 of entire recipe
** This vegan fudge will stay at room temperature without melting, but it will begin to get soft after about 2 hours. Refrigerate for best results.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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28 Comments
Yvonne Tse
Hi there, I love the sound of your recipe for your vegan chocolate espresso fudge. Before I make can you advise what you mean by ‘1 cup of dark chocolate (chopped 70% chips, 30% cacao)’
Elle
I used full fat coconut milk and sub maple syrup and cooked for as long as you suggested and chilled for longer than suggested and it still didn’t set up. Not sure what I did wrong. It makes a great ganache though lol. Any ideas for how to make it thick like fudge would be great. Thanks!
Eden
This was delicious, thanks for the share!
Lisa Bryan
Oh yum! I’ve been looking for a paleo fudge recipe and this ticks all the boxes. They were so creamy and decadent!
Tracy
Oooh yum!! Love that this is vegan AND has espresso (which my husband hates – ha!) so that means it’s all for me! 😉
Jill
This fudge is so creamy and decadent looking. I’d never guess it was vegan just by looking at it!
Renee Goerger
I love that I don’t have to be vegan to really appreciate the flavor of this fudge! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Wilhelmina
This fudge is so yummy!
Veena Azmanov
Best party option and love the simple steps in making this recipe. My family to relish it.
Cookilicious
They were perfect, and now they are all gone lol! Feel like reaching out and grabbing them!
Sandi
My kids went crazy over this fudge recipe. Thanks for the easy directions!
Jacqueline Debono
I really want to go and make this fudge again. It was so good and easy the first time I made them! Plus I really do have all the ingredients in my pantry!
Emily
Oh yum. I love recipes where the secret ingredient is coffee.
Dannii
We usually only make fudge at Christmas, but we are going to have to try and make this soon.
Jenn
I had no idea fudge could be vegan! Day = made! Love this tasty alternative for an indulgent dessert!
Sarah
My kids have been loving making this fudge!
Fernando
Beautiful desserts. If i prefer to use cocoa butter and cocoa powder instead of dark chocolate do you have the ratio between each one.?
Lauren
Hey there, no I haven’t tested it with cacao butter and cacao powder so I’m not sure how to convert.
Deryn
Oh man… I love making fudge from coconut milk and the addition of espresso here is perfect. I think I need to make a batch again…
Lauren
I think you need a batch too 😉
Cami
Shared on my FB page! Holy cannoli, I am making this TONIGHT. Looks so good! No agave, so I’ll be subbing in maple syrup!
Alisa
YUM! I love coconut milk fudge. My husband adore this extra espresso hit.
Katherine
Paleo AND vegan fudge?! This world is getting more to my liking every day. Thanks for the recipe!
Faith
You are my kind of girl and this is my kind of fudge! I’m always looking for healthier takes on classic favorites and this was great. The texture was perfect!
Marye
Oh yum! This was so good!
Christie
Love the flavor the coconut milk brought to this divine fudge.
Karen
Would maple syrup or honey work as a sub for the agave? Or was the agave specifically chosen for taste purposes? Thanks!
Lauren
Hi Karen! Maple syrup will work beautifully. I don’t care for honey in this since it can be a bit overwhelming. It’s all about your taste though! Let me know if you try it!